After replacing alternator I have the abs and traction lights on.never on before
I replaced the alternator after it failed as I was driving…now the track off abs and service traction system light are on and I havnt driven the car …please help
My car has 177000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
The alternator going bad while driving caused the other systems in the vehicle to get low on supply voltage and they may set codes in memory for power loss. You may need to clear the codes in all the modules that have stored the low voltage codes and then road test to make sure codes do not come back.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
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Because the ABS and traction control often share the same module, a problem with one mechanism might be indicated by a light for both. If the brake system is malfunctioning, the traction control light might come on as a result. The light for your ABS might also come on if the brake fluid is low.
It sounds like you may have a weak battery, a failing voltage regulator or failing alternator. When the battery is very weak, this may inadvertently cause other warning lights to come on, such as the ABS light as a result of low battery voltage.
In some cases, the warning light may come on because wheel-speed sensors are covered with road grime or debris. When the traction control warning light stays on, that means you aren`t getting any help from the system to control traction and the system needs to be checked.
The primary input of the TCS is the wheel speed sensor. These sensors continuously monitor the speed of each driven wheel and send the data to the ABS and Traction Control System ECU. When a slip is detected between the tire and the road, the TCS regulates brake pressure on the slipping wheel.
Resetting Your ABS Dashboard Warning Light
Step One: Disconnect the positive cable from your car battery. Then, hold down the brake pedal to drain the vehicle`s electrical system. This will result in a reset of the car`s central computer. Plug the cable back in to restore power.
The anti-lock function will stop working properly, which may increase the distance it takes to safely stop your vehicle. The rear tires will lock, which will increase vehicle swing on turns and may make your vehicle more difficult to control.
ABS light:
Low battery voltage (computer not getting enough voltage) Broken wheel speed sensor wire. Bad wheel bearing. Dirty tone ring.
If the ABS light on the instrument panel illuminates, our technicians recommend checking the battery first. A weak battery can cause the ABS light to turn on. A brake light that is not working or has burned out can also cause the ABS light to illuminate.
If the traction control light won`t turn off, there can be some reasons. One reason could be that the fuse for the traction control system has blown. Or it could be that there is a problem with the traction control sensors causing the light to stay on.
Press the gas pedal 3 times in quick succession. Then, turn your engine on all the way and let it run for a minute. The TCS and ABS lights should reset and go away if there isn`t any underlying problem with your traction control system.
The traction control module (TCM) can reduce engine power or apply braking to an individual wheel to prevent wheel spin in rain, ice, or snow.
On all car models, the ESP G419 sensor unit is installed under the left seat.
The ABS module will need to be programmed once everything is installed. This procedure also will vary quite a bit depending on the manufacturer. Tip: For this step in the ABS module replacement procedure, refer to the manufacturer`s instructions to find the specific programming procedure.
Disconnect Negative Battery Terminal
As when working on all electrical parts within your car, the first step is to ensure that you disconnect your batteries negative terminal. Simply disconnect the nut that holds this in place before sliding the clamp to cut off power to all the ABS sensors.
In many cases, when there is a drop in electrical power in the vehicle, this may trigger the ABS light to come on as you have described in addition to causing the dash gauges to not work properly.
Put simply, traction control is an electronic system that uses the same sensors as the anti-lock braking system (ABS) to reduce or prevent wheelspin.
The moment the ABS light illuminates, you should stop the car in a secure location, turn off the engine, and then start it. Then the computer will assess all of the sensors for any anomalies. The light may turn off if you do a simple reset, just like you would on your personal computer.
You can still drive without a functional ABS control module, as long as there`s no problem with your conventional brake system. However, take extra care, especially in wet or slick conditions, as the brakes` anti-lock element won`t work, and you likely won`t have steering control if your tires lock up.
On many modern cars, a bad wheel bearing will trigger a warning light. The ABS or traction control warnings will often illuminate, since a bad bearing will trip the system to deactivate.
This voltage comes directly from the ABS module and will be between 1.5 and 5 volts. This is the bias voltage from the ABS module. Any voltage outside of the manufacturer`s specification may indicate a problem with the harness.
Unless the ABS system is actually activating, that system would not be implicated as a “cause” of the poor acceleration. In any event, once the ABS codes are read by the mechanic using a scanner, it will be evident what is wrong with that system.
What are the common causes of failure? Typically these sensors will fail as a result of clogging from metallic debris, brake dust or dirt due to exposure to the harsh elements.
The ABS brake light doesn`t mean you have zero braking capability. Instead it means that your brakes are now on their own, and you are too. If conditions are bad, your brakes will perform like brakes did before ABS. Without regulation, your brakes may stick right when you need them the most.
Speeding, following too closely behind another vehicle, or aggressively switching lanes in inclement weather or road conditions will work against your traction control. There may be times when you want to turn the TCS off—like when your truck is stuck in the snow and you want the wheels to spin to gain traction.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Abs light, emergency brake light, steering wheel assist light, engine light, EPC light, traction control light
ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. The vehicle does utilize a lot of the same sensors for these systems. Are there any other codes that are coming up when this code appears? If so you will want to take these into consideration when processing the repair and making a diagnosis. The module may be bad, and replacing it should fix the problem. The lights should turn off once the main computer recognizes the new module and the sensors sync up. If you believe the sensors need to be cleaned you may do so. Do as minimal as possible to make sure you are not damaging the sensor or disrupting the wiring inside. A bad connection would make the lights stay on. With so many lights that are effected by the module being illuminated, the module is likely bad or does not have a connection. Check the connection first and then resort to replacing the unit. For more help with these electrical tests, contact our service department.
ABS light on, ESP light on,Traction OFF light on, engine light on, rides perfectly OBDI reads only Front Right Wheel Speed Sensor
ANSWER : If a faulty component is still in place, the fault codes will return almost immediately after clearing them. ABS, ESP, and traction control systems all rely on input from wheel speed sensors to determine as the name implies, the speed of each wheel. When a wheel, or wheels are spinning faster than others due to wheel slip or the vehicle is sliding, the ABS and ESP systems can reduce throttle input as well as apply braking to an individual wheel or all of them if needed. With a wheel speed sensor fault code stored, these systems cannot determine the rate that all 4 wheels are spinning and sets a fault. That is why the abs/esp light is on. The system should be scanned by a certified technician and the wheel speed sensor replaced if found to be the cause. The warning lights will stay on and these systems will not function as designed until the fault is corrected. These lights do not come on to indicate a need for routine service. Rather they only come on when a component in the system is at fault.
2012 equinox reduced power light engine light and traction light came on. Lost a lot of power got home and all light except engine
ANSWER : Your car has what is called a "safe mode" that will be engaged by the computer when it detects that something critical has gone wrong related to any of the major components in your engine chassis or power train. This may be related to a number of things, most of which should have been registered in the computer when the check engine light came on. I recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to inspect your check engine light and diagnose any codes registered by your vehicle’s computer.
Battery light goes on when I start car then turns off, if I rev engine light comes back until rpms go down. Abs goes comes on/off
ANSWER : Batteries can die due to faults in the charging system so ideally a suspected "faulty" battery should be load tested before a decision is made to condemn it. The only exception to this rule is if the battery is already clearly "old" (greater than 5 years) but even then once you put a new battery in, as a replacement for a "dead" battery, you have to comprehensively check out the charging system. Diagnostic Trouble Code P0460 will result in disruption of the dashboard fuel gauge’s ability to accurately report your tank’s fuel levels. The fuel gauge readings may be erratic, or read somewhere off scale. Vehicles equipped with a low fuel warning light feature may also suffer from erratic low fuel warnings in the event of a code P0460. Unless the P0460 code has been reported alongside other trouble code, all of the vehicle’s essential systems should otherwise function normally. I would recommend that you request a check engine light diagnostic to first resolve the fault causing the P0460 code to set. The check gas cap light warning light could be due a faulty gas cap and/or small leaks in the EVAP system.
No dash lights, back right tail light is out, no parking lights. Brake lights work though as does head lights.
ANSWER : Hi there. In many cases, when you have electrical problems like you’re describing, it’s caused by multiple electrical component failure. It’s likely that a few electrical relays are not working; especially if you have systems that utilize the same components (such as your brake light and tail lights). I would recommend having a professional mobile mechanic come to your location to complete an electrical problems inspection first, so they can pinpoint what is damaged and recommend the right repairs.
The ABS light, emergency brake light and traction control light are on along with the unresponsive speedometer
ANSWER : Failure of one or more of the wheel speed sensors will cause all of these conditions to happen all at once. The wheel speed sensors and the DSC control unit will need to be checked and fault codes read out first. Then the wiring, connection, and wheel speed sensor of the affected circuit if a fault code is found. You may want to enlist the help of a mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will have access to proper tools and service information to diagnose and correct these issues. If necessary, they will also be able to replace your wheel speed sensor(s).
Brake lights are not working. replaced brake light swtch still no brake lights. the third brake light the connection was melted at
ANSWER : The first thing to do is to repair third brake light and replace the brake light fuse and then see if the third brake lights work and the lower lights start working? If only the 3rd brake light starts working then you may need a further checks on the turn signal flasher or switch could be bad.
Brake light and abs light on, my brakes are soft ( needs to be replaced ) if I replace brakes will both lights go off?
ANSWER : A soft brake pedal generally indicates a hydraulic issue with the brake system. If the hydraulic system has a leak or a faulty seal in components such as the brake master cylinder of ABS pump, the brake system will not operate with the correct pressure. Worn brake pads may make the brake pedal travel farther than say new brake pads, but this generally does not cause a "soft" brake pedal. Replacing brake pads may not turn the ABS and BRAKE lights off. An abs system inspection should be performed by a certified technician before replacing any parts that may or may not correct your issue. I cannot predict if you will have a further issue but as far as is it unsafe ? Yes, driving with a possible hydraulic fault with the brake system is very unsafe as the brakes may fail entirely.
